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Eurostar to roll out wireless broadband across entire fleet
The move comes as part of a £700 million investment in the rail operator's fleet.
Following a competitive tender process, the train operator awarded the infrastructure deployment contract to Nomad Digital, which has previously installed Wi-Fi technology across the East Midlands Trains fleet.
Under a three-year, £700 million investment from Eurostar, all of the company's current trains will be given a complete overhaul and refurbishment, while ten new e320 trains will be purchased from Siemens.
When the newly renovated units and the e320 trains are ready to begin operation in 2013 and 2014 respectively, high-speed broadband services will be available to passengers thanks to the new Wi-Fi link.
A secure wireless local area network will also be established, allowing customers to view and download preloaded entertainment content on to their own devices, such as laptops, tablets and smartphones.
According to Eurostar, the Wi-Fi connection will be of a high enough standard to ensure that users will receive fast internet access at all times, regardless of where they sit on the train, as well as a "seamless switchover" at international border crossings.
Spares, maintenance and multilingual service support to customers will also be provided under the deal.
Nick Mercer, commercial director at Eurostar, expressed confidence that the infotainment and wireless broadband solutions will "significantly enhance" the onboard experience for passengers.
"Access to high-speed internet and quality infotainment is increasingly important to passengers and will ensure that whether they are travelling for business or leisure, they get the most out of their journey," he commented.
Chief executive of Nomad Alexander Eriksen added the company is "delighted" to have struck a deal with Eurostar and described the contract as "very strategic", as it marks the firm's entry into the French and high-speed rail markets.
"We look forward to working with such a prestigious company as Eurostar and delivering a high-quality broadband experience to its customers," he stated.